MLB Power Rankings: Updated 1-30 Standings

With roughly three weeks left in the 2013 MLB regular season, teams are still vying for playoff spots in the American League and jostling for seeding in the National League.

The Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers are all but locks to make up the NL side of the postseason picture. In the AL, the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers are safe bets to get in, while the Oakland A's and Texas Rangers will battle for the AL West and first wild-card spot. The Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Royals will all fight it out for the second wild-card spot.

Outside of the postseason picture, non-contenders continue to evaluate their talent with an eye on next season while looking to play spoiler to the above-mentioned teams in the process.

As we push ever closer to October, here is an updated look at where all 30 MLB teams currently stand.

30. Houston Astros (47-96, Fifth in AL West)

Bob Levey/Getty ImagesSP Brett Oberholtzer

Last Week's Results: 2-5

vs. Minnesota Twins (1-2)at Oakland Athletics (1-3)

Team Overview

The Houston Astros are headed for their third straight 100-loss season, but there is no denying they are moving in the right direction for the future. They have a terrific farm system and a gutted payroll providing them with a ton of spending money once they do find themselves in a position to contend once again.

Young starters Jarred Cosart (9 GS, 2.13 ERA) and Brett Oberholtzer (7 GS, 2.65 ERA) have both been fantastic since the All-Star break and look like they'll be core pieces moving forward. Top prospects George Springer and Jonathan Singleton didn't earn call-ups, but they should be ready to make an impact as well next year.

29. Miami Marlins (53-88, Fifth in NL East)

Ed Zurga/Getty ImagesSP Jose Fernandez

Last Week's Results: 3-3

at Chicago Cubs (2-1)vs. Washington Nationals (1-2)

Team Overview

The Miami Marlins moved quickly from win-now mode to rebuilding this season, gutting their roster and restocking their farm system in the process. It's been a long season, and their potential core is still very young, but they look to have a solid future ahead of them.

Ace Jose Fernandez (27 GS, 11-6, 2.23 ERA) will make his final start of the season on Wednesday before being shut down, and the 21-year-old has given plenty of hope for the future. Fellow top prospect Christian Yelich (.286/.352/.394) has shown flashes as well in 43 games since being called up.

28. Chicago White Sox (57-85, Fifth in AL Central)

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY SportsSP Chris Sale

Last Week's Results: 1-6

at New York Yankees (0-3)at Baltimore Orioles (1-3)

Team Overview

The Chicago White Sox snapped a nine-game losing steak with a win over the Orioles on Sunday, and they'll look to play spoiler once again this week with series against division foes and playoff contenders in the Tigers and Indians.

Top prospects Marcus Semien and Erik Johnson are two to watch down the stretch as they look to secure their place in the 2014 plans with a strong finish to the season. As for established players, ace Chris Sale (26 GS, 10-12, 2.97 ERA) remains a dark-horse Cy Young candidate despite his losing record.

27. Minnesota Twins (61-80, Fourth in AL Central)

David Maxwell/Getty ImagesSP Samuel Deduno

Last Week's Results: 2-4

at Houston Astros (2-1)vs. Toronto Blue Jays (0-3)

Team Overview

The Minnesota Twins' lack of pitching has been the biggest reason for their struggles the past two seasons, and strong finishes from Andrew Albers (7 GS, 2-2, 3.35 ERA) and Samuel Deduno (18 GS, 8-8, 3.83 ERA) would give them two decent in-house options heading into next year.

As they continue to await the arrival of top prospects Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano, the 2014 season could be another long year for the Twins, but they could be in a position to surprise and make a drastic turnaround by 2015.

26. Chicago Cubs (60-82, Fifth in NL Central)

Brian Kersey/Getty ImagesSS Starlin Castro

Last Week's Results: 2-4

vs. Miami Marlins (1-2)vs. Milwaukee Brewers (1-2)

Team Overview

As Chicago Cubs fans continue to set their sights on 2015 and beyond, it's been another long season for the Northsiders. They dropped a pair of series to the only two teams in the National League who have arguably been worse than them this season last week.

A strong finish from Anthony Rizzo, Starlin Castro and Jeff Samardzija, all of whom have struggled in the second half—and for most of the season in Castro's case—could be a confidence boost heading into the offseason. The real excitement starts with the Arizona Fall League, where the team's top four prospects, Javier Baez, Albert Almora, Jorge Soler and Kris Bryant, will all be in action.

25. Milwaukee Brewers (62-80, Fourth in NL Central)

Mike McGinnis/Getty ImagesSP Johnny Hellweg

Last Week's Results: 3-3

vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (1-2)at Chicago Cubs (2-1)

Team Overview

It's been a trying season in Milwaukee, from losing superstar Ryan Braun to a PED suspension to a myriad of injuries to the complete ineptitude of the starting rotation, and the Brewers are looking to avoid a last-place finish as a result.

Sorting out who fits into the starting rotation next season will be their biggest September goal, with prospects Johnny Hellweg and Tyler Thornburg likely to get long looks and September call-up Jimmy Nelson also potentially in the mix for some starts.

24. New York Mets (64-77, Fourth in NL East)

The Matt Harvey injury really took the wind out of the New York Mets' sails for the final month, as his push for NL Cy Young honors was really all the fanbase had to get excited about at this point.

Figuring out what role youngsters Wilmer Flores and Matt den Dekker will play on the 2014 roster will be important down the stretch as we head into what will likely be a busy offseason for a young team with money to spend. Expect someone from the trio of Jacoby Ellsbury, Curtis Granderson and Shin-Soo Choo to be wearing a Mets jersey next season.

23. Colorado Rockies (66-78, Third in NL West)

Doug Pensinger/Getty ImagesSP Jhoulys Chacin

Last Week's Results: 1-5

vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (1-2)at San Diego Padres (0-3)

Team Overview

The Colorado Rockies inevitably collapsed after looking like surprise contenders early in the season, but they already have two more wins than last year. And with some added help on the mound, they could legitimately contend in 2014.

The one-two punch of Jhoulys Chacin (13-8, 3.16 ERA) and Jorge De La Rosa (16-6, 3.31 ERA) has been terrific all season, and Tyler Chatwood (7-4, 3.17 ERA) could be a solid rotation piece if he stays healthy as well. But they need to shore up the back end of the staff. The offense will be there; the Rockies just need the pitching to keep them in games.

22. San Francisco Giants (64-79, Fifth in NL West)

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY SportsSP Yusmeiro Petit

Last Week's Results: 3-4

at San Diego Padres (1-2)vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (2-2)

Team Overview

Yusmeiro Petit's near-perfect was the story of the week for the San Francisco Giants. The 28-year-old is making his case for being part of the team's 2014 rotation picture, going 3-0 with a 2.05 ERA in three starts since joining the rotation.

Relief pitching prospect Heath Hembree will also be one to watch the rest of the way, as he has future closer stuff and has thrown three scoreless innings since being called up.

Decisions loom regarding impending free agents Tim Lincecum, Hunter Pence and Javier Lopez in what will be an interesting offseason for the reigning champs.

21. Seattle Mariners (65-78, Fourth in AL West)

Otto Greule Jr/Getty ImagesSP James Paxton

Last Week's Results: 3-4

at Kansas City Royals (1-3)vs. Tampa Bay Rays (2-1)

Team Overview

Top pitching prospect Taijuan Walker (2 GS, 1-0, 3.60 ERA) made his big league debut shortly after rosters expanded in September, and fellow pitching prospect James Paxton joined him in the Seattle rotation on Saturday, allowing one run in six innings of work to pick up the win in his own debut.

The Mariners have seen a wave of young talent reach the big league level this season, and the more experience these guys can get under their belt, the better off the team will be looking ahead to 2014. The AL West is a deep, talented division, but don't be surprised to see the Mariners right in the thick of things next year.

20. San Diego Padres (65-77, Fourth in NL West)

Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesOF Wil Venable

Last Week's Results: 5-1

vs. San Francisco Giants (2-1)vs. Colorado Rockies (3-0)

Team Overview

The San Diego Padres have shown flashes this season, but a lack of frontline pitching continues to be their undoing. That may be an issue they have to resolve in free agency, as top pitching prospect Max Fried is still a ways off and no one else in the system profiles as an ace.

That said, the Padres have a good young offensive core, and who outside of San Diego has noticed that Will Venable is hitting .343/.386/.616 with 10 home runs since the All-Star break?

Don't sleep on Ian Kennedy, who is 3-1 with a 3.76 ERA in seven starts since joining the team. He has been an ace in the past and could be the answer atop the rotation.

19. Toronto Blue Jays (67-76, Fifth in AL East)

Mike Stobe/Getty ImagesSP Mark Buehrle

Last Week's Results: 5-1

at Arizona Diamondbacks (2-1)at Minnesota Twins (3-0)

Team Overview

It's been a terribly disappointing season for the Toronto Blue Jays, and they'll have essentially the same team back next season to try to turn things around and live up to the expectations they entered this season with.

Starter Josh Johnson will be gone in free agency, and the team will have to sort out the starting rotation behind veterans R.A. Dickey and Mark Buehrle. A handful of arms will be coming back from injury, and how much money they have to work with remains to be seen, but they'll likely target a top arm in the offseason.

18. Los Angeles Angels (67-75, Third in AL West)

Mike Stobe/Getty ImagesCF Mike Trout

Last Week's Results: 4-3

vs. Tampa Bay Rays (2-2)vs. Texas Rangers (2-1)

Team Overview

The Los Angeles Angels have spent a ton the past two offseasons to try to put a World Series contender on the field. But instead, they'll miss the postseason for the second straight year, and they have major holes they'll need to address this offseason once again.

Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson have been solid, and Garrett Richards has probably done enough to secure a rotation spot for next year. They could look to re-sign Jason Vargas as well, but they'll need to get a better performance from the rotation one way or another if they hope to contend in 2014. The same goes for the offense and high-priced sluggers Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton.

17. Philadelphia Phillies (66-77, Third in NL East)

The Philadelphia Phillies are caught in a tough spot, with high-priced veterans still under contract, but the team is no longer in contention and needs to rebuild.

Cody Asche (109 AB, .766 OPS, 19 RBI) and Darin Ruf (188 G, .852 OPS, 13 HR, 23 RBI) look like they'll have an extended role in 2014, and the rotation will need to be sorted out behind Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee.

The team should have money to spend with Roy Halladay's $20 million salary coming off the books, and it could look to make another run at contention with some stopgap option given there is still plenty of talent on the roster.

16. Arizona Diamondbacks (72-70, Second in NL West)

Ralph Freso/Getty Images1B Paul Goldschmidt

Last Week's Results: 3-4

vs. Toronto Blue Jays (1-2)at San Francisco Giants (2-2)

Team Overview

Led by breakout stars Paul Goldschmidt (.931 OPS, 31 HR, 107 RBI) and Patrick Corbin (28 GS, 13-6, 2.97 ERA), the Arizona Diamondbacks have managed to remain on the fringe of contention all season, but their playoff hopes are dimming by the day.

The back end of their bullpen looks like their only clear hole heading into next year, as they have a good young roster that should only get better with the addition of top pitching prospect Archie Bradley. Fellow prospects Chris Owings and Matt Davidson are blocked at shortstop and third, respectively, so don't be surprised to see the Diamondbacks active on the trade market once again this winter.

15. Washington Nationals (73-69, Second in NL East)

Greg Fiume/Getty ImagesSP Tanner Roark

Last Week's Results: 4-2

at Philadelphia Phillies (2-1)at Miami Marlins (2-1)

Team Overview

The Washington Nationals still have a slim chance of making the playoffs, as they're currently eight games back for the second wild-card spot. But it's safe to say that most expected them to be in a far better position heading into the final months of the season.

An inconsistent offense and a shaky back of the rotation has kept them from reaching lofty expectations this season, but all the pieces are still there for them to contend next year. Jayson Werth (.360/.446/.616, 11 HR, 33 RBI) has been an absolute beast since the All-Star break, while Tanner Roark (10 G, 5-0, 0.94 ERA, 0.87 WHIP) has made a strong case for being part of the 2014 pitching staff.

14. Baltimore Orioles (76-66, Third in AL East)

Winslow Townson/Getty ImagesSP Chris Tillman

This Week's Results: 4-3

at Cleveland Indians (1-2)vs. Chicago White Sox (3-1)

Team Overview

A high-powered offense led by the trio of Chris Davis, Manny Machado and Adam Jones has kept the Orioles in the hunt for an AL playoff spot. They sit two games back for the second AL wild-card spot, and they kick off the week with a huge four-game series at home against the Yankees.

The rotation remains the biggest question mark, as it lacks a legitimate ace, and top to bottom, the starters are wildly inconsistent. Ace Chris Tillman takes the ball to kick off the Yankees series, with Miguel Gonzalez, Scott Feldman and Wei-Yin Chen to follow in what ranks as the biggest series of the year to this point.

13. Kansas City Royals (75-68, Third in AL Central)

The Royals were just 43-49 at the All-Star break, as a struggling offense had undermined their vastly improved rotation, and they looked to be headed for another losing season.

The Royals have turned things around to go 32-19 in the second half, though, and they are currently 3.5 games out for the second AL wild-card spot. They have a huge road trip this coming week, with three games each against the two teams ahead of them in the AL Central standings, as it's make-or-break time for the team.

12. Cleveland Indians (76-66, Second in AL Central)

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsC Yan Gomes

Last Week's Results: 4-2

vs. Baltimore Orioles (2-1)vs. New York Mets (2-1)

Team Overview

The Indians entered the offseason expected to be aggressive sellers, but instead, they opted to add a number of veteran pieces and make a run at contention. They currently find themselves just two games out of the playoff picture.

The offense ranks 25th in batting average (.240) and 23rd in runs scored (185) since the All-Star break, with Yan Gomes the only player hitting over .300 that is seeing regular playing time. The bats will have to heat up if the team has any chance of playing in October.

11. New York Yankees (76-67, Fourth in AL East)

Rich Schultz/Getty ImagesSP CC Sabathia

Last Week's Results: 4-3

vs. Chicago White Sox (3-0)vs. Boston Red Sox (1-3)

Team Overview

Currently 2.5 games back in the AL wild-card standings, the Yankees will set out on the pivotal road trip of their season this week, facing the Orioles (4), Red Sox (3), and then have three games against the Blue Jays next week. If they have any chance at a playoff spot, they'll likely have to go at least 6-4 on the trip.

CC Sabathia will take the ball on Monday looking to right the ship. He has a 6.88 ERA in nine starts since the All-Star break. Getting him going, along with veterans Derek Jeter and Ichiro Suzuki, will be key in making the late push they're going to need.

10. Tampa Bay Rays (78-64, Second in AL East)

Jeff Gross/Getty ImagesSP Jeremy Hellickson

Last Week's Results: 3-4

at Los Angeles Angels (2-2)at Seattle Mariners (1-2)

Team Overview

The Rays remain two games up for the second wild-card spot, with the Orioles, Indians, Yankees and Royals all chasing them and trailing by less than four games. They've gone just 3-7 in their last 10 games, and things won't get any easier, as they'll welcome the division-leading Red Sox to town to kick off the week.

With Matt Moore back healthy and Jeremy Hellickson looking sharp in his first start since being sent to the minors for a break, the rotation looks to be in good shape heading into the final weeks.

Rookie Wil Myers went 9-for-25 with a pair of home runs last week as well. He'll try to heat back up after a rough month or so.

9. Pittsburgh Pirates (81-61, Second in NL Central)

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY SportRF Marlon Byrd

Last Week's Results: 2-4

at Milwaukee Brewers (2-1)at St. Louis Cardinals (0-3)

Team Overview

A sweep at the hands of the Cardinals dropped the Pirates out of first place in the NL Central, but they are still all but a lock to make the playoffs. They're tied with the Reds in the wild-card standings, with the Nationals sitting third at eight games back.

August pickups Marlon Byrd and Justin Morneau have not done much in Pirates jerseys, but they are still terrific additions to the team that should help down the stretch. The biggest question right now is pitching, as Francisco Liriano and A.J. Burnett were both shelled last time out and Jeff Locke is not the pitcher he was in the first half.

8. Texas Rangers (81-61, Second in AL West)

Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesRF Alex Rios

Last Week's Results: 2-4

at Oakland Athletics (1-2)at Los Angeles Angeles (1-2)

Team Overview

The Rangers lost their hold on the AL West lead this past week, and they now trail the streaking A's by 1.5 games. But they'll have a chance to reclaim it this coming week when they welcome Oakland to Arlington for a three-game weekend series.

Alex Rios had his best week in Texas this past week, going 9-for-21 with two doubles and three home runs. Getting him going would be huge for the Rangers' offensive attack.

Now, if only they could get some consistency from their starting rotation, the Rangers would be on their way to a division title. Closing out the season with the Astros and Angels certainly helps their case.

7. Detroit Tigers (82-61, First in AL Central)

Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsLF Nick Castellanos

Last Week's Results: 2-4

at Boston Red Sox (1-2)at Kansas City Royals (1-2)

Team Overview

The Tigers remain perhaps the most talented team in baseball on paper. With a 5.5-game lead over the Indians in the AL Central, they look to be well on their way to a third straight division title. However, they're not exactly running away with things as many thought they would.

Top prospect Nick Castellanos went 1-for-2 with a run scored in his first big league start on Saturday, and he could get an opportunity to capture the starting left field job in the days ahead. He'd be just another weapon in a stacked offense that is backed by perhaps the deepest starting rotation in all of baseball.

6. St. Louis Cardinals (83-60, First in NL Central)

With a three-game sweep of the Pirates, the Cardinals are once again on top of the NL Central standings as they look to capture the division title and avoid playing in the Wild Card Round.

Adam Wainwright threw seven innings of two-hit, shutout ball on Saturday, a big turnaround after getting roughed up his previous two starts and a positive sign moving forward. Offensively, the team is hitting .328 with runners in scoring position, 17 points better than the best mark of all time, according to a tweet from Buster Olney of ESPN.

5. Atlanta Braves (85-57, First in NL East)

Mike Zarrilli/Getty ImagesRP Craig Kimbrel

Last Week's Results: 2-4

vs. New York Mets (2-1)at Philadelphia Phillies (0-3)

Team Overview

A three-game sweep at the hands of the lowly Phillies knocked the Braves down the rankings a few spots, but they still have the best record in the National League and will look to retain it this coming week against a pair of the NL's worst teams.

The Jason Heyward injury has been a blow, as the team has gone just 8-8 since he suffered a broken jaw, and getting him back for the playoffs will be key. The bullpen remains dominant, though, and Craig Kimbrel is an absolute beast. Meanwhile, the starting rotation has been decent over the past month with some room for improvement.

4. Los Angeles Dodgers (83-59, First in NL West)

With an 11-game lead over the Diamondbacks, the Dodgers have the NL West locked up. Now, they have their sights set on catching the Braves for best record in the National League.

They were swept by the Reds to close out the week, and they will now square off against NL West rivals the rest of the way, with seven games against the Diamondbacks, seven against the Giants and three each with the Rockies and Padres. Those teams will all be looking to play spoiler, and 10 of those games are on the road, so it's not the easiest battle ahead.

3. Oakland Athletics (83-60, First in AL West)

Winners of 11 of their last 14 games, the A's reclaimed the AL West lead by taking a three-game series from the Rangers to open last week, and they'll have to protect it in Texas this coming weekend.

The three games against the Rangers are their only remaining games against a team with a winning record, as the A's finish with the Twins (7), Angels (6) and Mariners (3). They look to be in a great position to win their second straight division title and enter the postseason with a ton of momentum.

2. Cincinnati Reds (82-62, Third in NL Central)

Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY SportsSP Mat Latos

Last Week's Results: 6-1

vs. St. Louis Cardinals (3-1)vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (3-0)

Team Overview

The Reds have been chasing the Cardinals and Pirates in the NL Central most of the season—and they still sit in third place—but they shoot up the rankings here after a 6-1 week against two of the best teams in the National League.

With 12 of their 18 remaining games against teams below .500 (Cubs, Brewers, Astros, Mets), the Reds may yet swoop in and capture the NL Central title despite the fact that the last time they led the division was on April 22.

There's no hole on the roster, with Mat Latos leading a deep staff and Joey Votto headlining a potent offense.

1. Boston Red Sox (87-58, First in AL East)

Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sport3B Will Middlebrooks

Last Week's Results: 5-2

vs. Detroit Tigers (2-1)at New York Yankees (3-1)

Team Overview

The Red Sox have the best record in baseball right now. They have also put some daylight between themselves and the Rays in the AL East with a 7.5-game lead for the division title, as they are focused on home-field advantage.

They have the highest-scoring offense in baseball in the second half, and with Will Middlebrooks (.368/.434/.621, 6 HR, 16 RBI) raking at third base since being called back up from the minors, they have no real hole in their lineup. The starting rotation has been shaky, with John Lackey and Felix Doubront falling off, but for the time being, the Red Sox have been able to overcome that.